Is Sharon, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
Sharon, CT — Water Quality Report
Sharon's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 865 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 154 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sharon's water
Sharon ranks #127 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Sharon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sharon, CT water safe to drink?
Sharon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 865 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sharon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sharon's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sharon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sharon's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sharon's water come from?
Sharon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 865 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Housatonic River (river), Salmon Creek (river).
What Sharon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sharon's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sharon
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SARNEY FARM10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sharon's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sharon compares by contaminant
Explore where Sharon ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sharon's water comes from
Sharon's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 865 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sharon
Sharon is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sharon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHARON WATER & SEWER COMMISSION | CT1250011 | 803 | SW |
| SHARON RIDGE APARTMENTS | CT1250021 | 62 | GW |
How Sharon compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Sharon's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sharon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Litchfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharon, CT tap water safe to drink?
Sharon's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #127 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Sharon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Sharon's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Sharon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sharon's water come from?
Sharon's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 865 residents.
What health violations has Sharon's water system had?
Sharon has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 54 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sharon's water compare to other cities?
Sharon ranks #127 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 20% of state cities) and #14915 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.